TV Journalist Janet Peckinpaugh Provides a Profile of a Man Who Lived the American Dream and Saw Both the Rewards and Costs of Fame

Hartford native Dominick Dunne was a remarkable talent whose storied life and career are examined in Dominick Dunne Remembered, airing Thursday, November 5 at 9 p.m. on Connecticut Public Television (CPTV). In Dunne’s last public interview prior to his death in August 2009, TV journalist Janet Peckinpaugh had the opportunity to speak with the prolific writer about his very personal and public personas—and his impact on the literary world in this landmark profile of a man who lived the American Dream.

Born and raised in Hartford, Dunne moved to New York after seeing combat in World War II. Working as the floor manager for The Howdy Doody Show and Robert Montgomery Presents, Dunne met many up-and-coming stars, and soon found himself partying with some of the greatest names in American entertainment history. After moving to Hollywood, he became a vice-president at legendary movie studio Twentieth Century Fox, but his A-list life led to a drug and alcohol addiction that nearly destroyed both his family and career. At 50, he began writing novels to great acclaim, but his success was tainted by the murder of his 22-year-old daughter Dominique. His writings documenting the trial of her killer appeared in Vanity Fair, which lead to Dunne’s long career of covering some of the most high-profile court cases in America, both in print and on television. Following a long battle with bladder cancer, Dunne passed away in August of 2009. He was buried near his Hadlyme, Connecticut, home.

Dunne's last television interview aired on CPTV as part of the 2008 pilot program 180 Degrees with Janet Peckinpaugh. In the portion of the interview that aired, Dunne confessed to television journalist Peckinpaugh— with whom he had been friends for more than a decade—about his addictions, including how he hit rock bottom and his process of recovery. Now, in honor of her colleague and friend, Peckinpaugh would like to share that special interview, in its entirety, with the Connecticut television audience; CPTV’s presentation of Dominick Dunne Remembered provides that opportunity.

This extended cut of Dunne’s final interview includes never-before-seen footage in which Dunne goes on to address his glamorous life in Hollywood, where he “rubbed elbows” with the rich and famous, and got a glimpse of how cruel the town can be to those down on their luck. Dunne’s personal insights offer a glimpse into a man who experienced both the rewards and the cost of the American Dream.

“Dominick's glamorous life was masked by his ‘behind the scenes’ struggles,” said Peckinpaugh. “He is an inspiration to anyone who has ever hit rock bottom and had to start over.”

CPTV Credits

Host/Executive Producer: Janet Peckinpaugh

Executive Producer: Jay Whitsett

Producer: Denise Hannon-Gross

About CPTV

CPTV is a media service of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPBN, www.cpbn.org). It is a locally and nationally recognized producer and presenter of quality public television programming, including UConn Women's Basketball, original documentaries, and educational programming. CPTV has built a reputation as a leader in children’s programming, including playing an historic role in bringing Barney & Friends™, Bob the Builder™, and Thomas & Friends™ to public television.

The station offers 11 hours of positive, nurturing children’s programs each weekday, reaching 50,000 to 70,000 households daily. For more information, visit www.cptv.org.

The Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network also includes WNPR, an affiliate of National Public Radio, Public Radio International and American Public Media. WNPR serves over 200,000 listeners in Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island with news and information. Its award-winning local programming includes The Faith Middleton Show and Where We Live. Overall, the network brings a broad spectrum of public affairs, entertainment, sports and educational programming to viewers, listeners and readers. For more information, visit www.cptv.org and/or www.wnpr.org.